System and Method for Network Failover and Network Selection with Multi-Mode Modem in Remote Access Points

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure discloses a method and network device for network failover and/or network selection with a multi-mode modem in remote access points. A RAP initially is set to allow the modem&#39;s firmware to select an ISP-preferred available network. Then, the RAP collects network selection attributes, including RSSI, for the selected network, derives a NSC value based on the attributes, and determines whether the derived NSC value is within an expected range. If so, the device establishes a secure tunnel connection through the modem on the modem-selected network. Otherwise, the RAP commands the modem connect to an alternative network, and derives the NSC value for the alternative network selected by the RAP. If the NSC value for the alternative network is within an expected range, the RAP establishes a secure connection on the alternative network. On rebootstrap, the RAP repeats the above operations until a stable network is selected.

PRIORITY CLAIMS; CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/664,326, filed Oct. 30, 2012, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Theapplicants hereby rescind any disclaimer of claim scope in the parentapplications or the prosecution history thereof and advice the USPTOthat the claims in this application may be broader than any claim in theparent application.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless network selection. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to a system and method fornetwork failover and network selection with multi-mode modem in remoteaccess points.

BACKGROUND

Mobility in the corporate world is increasing at an incredible rate withusers traveling around the globe and working partially or fully at home.The ability to move and remain fully connected is the paramount concern.The office connection needs to be pervasive and available no matterwhere the user is physically located. Productivity shall not be hinderedsimply because the user is not in the corporate office.

Remote Access Point (RAP) solutions involve configuring a thin accesspoint to provide certain level of services to a remote client bytunneling securely back to the corporate network. The same Service SetIdentifiers (SSIDs), encryption, and authentication requirements thatexist on the corporate network are present on the RAP. The client deviceat a remote node or branch will automatically associate with the RAP asit would in the central node or corporate network, and allows forcentralized management of a truly mobile edge. Thus, RAP is an extensionof the corporate network in a similar fashion to a branch office withsimplified configurations and integrated security.

A RAP can connect to a corporate network through a multi-mode modem thatsupports multiple types of networks, e.g., 2G networks, 3G networks, 4Gnetworks, etc. Usually, the multi-mode modem is configured with afactory default setting indicating an Internet Service Provider (ISP)preferred network. If the multi-mode modem fails to establish aconnection over the ISP-preferred network, it will select a secondarynetwork. However, in some cases, the multi-mode modem is able toestablish a connection on the ISP-preferred network. Nonetheless, thequality of connection over the ISP-preferred network between the RAP andthe control device on the corporate network may not be good enough forestablishing a secured tunnel, e.g., a Generic Routing Encapsulation(GRE) tunnel, for secure data transmission. As a result, remote userswill fail in their attempt to connect to the corporate network due tothe poor signal quality of the connection on the ISP-preferred network.

Hence, conventional RAP solutions cannot assure quick selection of astable network with a multi-mode modem over which a secure datatransmission tunnel can be successfully established with the corporatenetwork. At best, a network administrator has to track all availablenetworks at the location of RAP deployment. If the network administratorobserves that the network signal coverage on the ISP-preferred networkis not good enough, and assuming that an alternative network at thelocation has better coverage, the network administrator will need tomanually provision or re-provision the RAP with the parameterscorresponding to the alternative network, and reboot the RAP if needed,such that the clients at the remote node/branch can establish a securecommunication path with the corporate network through the modem over thealternative network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be best understood by referring to thefollowing description and accompanying drawings that are used toillustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless networkenvironment according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary network selectionattributes according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B are flowcharts illustrating exemplary method for networkfailover and network selection with multi-mode modem in remote accesspoints according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary system for networkfailover and network selection with multi-mode modem in remote accesspoints according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, several specific details are presented toprovide a thorough understanding. While the context of the disclosure isdirected to channel scanning in discovery stage of fast roaming inwireless network, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize,however, that the concepts and techniques disclosed herein can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or in combinationwith other components, etc. In other instances, well-knownimplementations or operations are not shown or described in details toavoid obscuring aspects of various examples disclosed herein. It shouldbe understood that this disclosure covers all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Overview

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless networkselection. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system andmethod for network failover and network selection with multi-mode modemin remote access points.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the multi-mode modemis initially set in factory default mode (e.g., an automatic mode),allowing the modem firmware to select the available network. Then, forthe selected network (e.g., a 4G network), collect primary and secondarynetwork selection attributes, derive a network selection criteria (NSC)value, and determine whether the derived NSC value is within an expectedrange.

If the NSC value is within the expected range, the RAP will establishsecure tunnel connection through the multi-mode modem on themodem-selected network. If, however, the NSC value is not within theexpected range, then the RAP will set the multi-mode modem to analternative network (e.g., 3G network). The RAP will then derive the NSCvalue for the alternative network, and determine whether the derived NSCvalue is within an expected range. If so, the RAP will establish securetunnel connection through the multi-mode modem on alternative network.On subsequent rebootstrap events, the RAP will repeat the aboveoperations until a stable network with good quality for secured tunnelconnection to the corporate network is selected.

Computing Environment

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary wireless digital network environment accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 includes a central node160 and a remote node 130 that are interconnected via a network 140.Network 140 can be a wired network, a wireless network, and/or a hybridor combination of both.

Central node 160 has a plurality of digital devices, including bothnetwork devices that provide network services and client devices thatconsume network services. The network devices include one or morecontrol devices, e.g., control device 150.

In addition to optional data traffic forwarding, control device 150handles a variety of traffic on the control plane, including BridgeProtocol Data Units (BPDUs), routing updates, Hot Standby RouterProtocol (HSRP), process-switched packets, Address Resolution Protocol(ARP), and management traffic, such as Secure Shell (SSH), SimpleNetwork Management Protocol (SNMP), Remote Authentication Dial In UserService (RADIUS), etc.

Moreover, control device 150 may be communicating with a plurality ofother network devices, such as access points. Each network device, suchas access point, can be communicatively coupled to zero or more clientdevices via one or more wired and/or wireless interfaces. Trustedcommunications among various digital devices at central node 160 aretypically secured by a firewall or similar security policies andmechanisms.

Remote node 130, on the other hand, typically needs to establish asecure communication path, such as a Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)tunnel, for a digital device at the remote node to communicate todigital devices at central node 160. In some embodiments, the securecommunication path can be established over a network connection througha network device at an Internet Service Provider (ISP), e.g. a modemdevice such as modem 120.

Modem 120 may support multiple modes and thus allow selections frommultiple available types of networks when a access point, such as accesspoint 110, attempts to establish a connection through modem 120. Forexample, networks supported by a multi-mode modem may include 2Gnetworks (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network,a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, etc.), 3G networks(e.g., an Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) network, a High Speed PacketAccess (HSPA), etc.), 4G networks (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE)network, a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX),etc.), and so on. After the access point (e.g., access point 110)establishes the connection tunnel through modem 120, all clientsincluding client 100 can use the connection tunnel for traffictransmissions.

In some embodiments, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) providing themodem may pre-configure a preferred network, e.g., a 4G network, amongall of the available networks that the modem supports. Thus, if themodem detects that a preferred network, e.g., a 4G network, isavailable, the firmware of the modem will select the preferred network(e.g., the 4G network) over other available networks (e.g., 2G or 3Gnetworks) to connect to.

Moreover, remote access node 130 also includes a remote access point,e.g., access point 110. Access point 110 usually is a thin access pointthat provides services to a remote client through a secure communicationpath to the corporate network. The same Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs),encryption, and authentication requirements that exist on the corporatenetwork may present on access point 110. The client device willautomatically associate with the RAP as it would in the corporatenetwork, and allows for centralized management of a truly mobile edge.

Furthermore, access point 110 at remote node 130 communicatively coupledwith multi-mode modem 120 is generally capable of one or more of thefollowings—

-   -   Detecting the availability of access networks    -   Finding, receiving and processing measurements regarding the        characteristics of available access networks    -   Accessing, modifying and storing the user profile    -   Allowing the user to dynamically redefine his/her preferences

Central node 160 depicted in FIG. 1 may operate on a private networkincluding one or more local area networks. The local area networks maybe adapted to allow wireless access, thereby operating as a wirelesslocal area network (WLAN). Moreover, the network may include a wired orwireless distribution system.

In addition, networks at central node 160 and/or remote node 130 mayinclude multiple other network control plane devices, such as networkcontrollers, switches, routers, etc., that transmits at least controlplane traffic. Network control plane devices can provide functions, suchas creating and enforcing network policies, providing adaptive radiomanagement, intrusion prevention, quality of service, mobility, etc.Furthermore, networks at central node 160 and/or remote node 130 mayalso include a plurality of servers and/or client devices.

Network Failover and Network Selection

In a typical embodiment, when client 100 connects with access point 110and requests connection to a corporate network at central node 160,access point 110 can establish a secure communication path throughmulti-mode modem 120, which supports multiple types of networks, e.g.,2G networks, 3G networks, 4G networks, etc. Modem 120 usually isconfigured with a factory default setting indicating an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) preferred network, for example, a 4G network. If modem120 fails to establish a connection over the ISP-preferred network(e.g., the 4G network), it will select a secondary network (e.g., a 3Gnetwork).

However, in some cases, modem 120 may be able to establish a non-secureconnection on the ISP-preferred network (e.g., the 4G network).Nonetheless, the quality of the connection between access point 110 andcontrol device 150 at central node 160 may not be good enough forestablishing a secure communication path, e.g., an encapsulated tunnelsuch as a Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnel, for secure datatransmission between client 100 and digital devices at central node 160.Accordingly, client 100 will not be able to connect to the corporatenetwork on the ISP-preferred network, although client 100 may accessother Internet resources through modem 120 on the ISP-preferred network.

According to embodiments of the preset disclosure, access point 110 candetermine a network selection or failover among multiple availablenetworks supported by modem 120 based on a plurality of attributes,which help identifying a stable network. First, the method and/or systemexploit the factory default mode, e.g., the ISP-preferred networkselection according to modem 120's firmware settings.

Also, access point 110 will be set with a pre-determined bootstrapthreshold time period, e.g., 30 seconds. The threshold time period canbe configured and/or adjusted by a network administrator based on thedeployment location of access point 110, the provider of modem 120,service requirements from client 100, etc. In some embodiments, thenetwork administrator can configure multiple access points with the samethreshold time period at the same time in a group. In some embodiments,the threshold time period value can be determined based shared networkrequirements and/or attributes.

If within the pre-determined bootstrap threshold time period, modem 120fails to connect to the ISP-preferred network or cannot successfullymaintain a stable connection with the ISP-preferred network, thefirmware of modem 120 will usually use its built-in mechanism to selectto connect to a secondary network.

If a connection, either to the ISP-preferred network or to a secondarynetwork, has been established by modem 120, access point will startcommunication exchanges with control device 150 at central node 160. Insome embodiments, control device 150 monitors connection attributesassociated with the connection between remote node 130 and central node160 via a series of heartbeats. The heartbeats are periodic messagewhich helps in monitoring the health of the remote node's 130 uplinkconnectivity. If access point 110 fails to receive a signal, such as aheartbeat, from control device 150 at central node 160 within thepre-determined bootstrap threshold time period, the absence of heartbeatreception may indicate a connection issue with the uplink of accesspoint 110. For example, the connection may be dropped due to poorconnectivity.

Next, access point 110 will obtain a plurality of primary and secondarynetwork selection attributes for the selected network by modem 120. Theprimary and secondary network selection attributes are related tocriteria that are not typically used by multi-mode modem vendors, andthus not considered in the network selection or failover decision by themodem firmware. The primary and secondary network selection attributeswill be described in details in sections below.

Furthermore, access point 110 derives a network selection criteria (NSC)value associated with the network selected by modem 120. Furthermore,access point 110 determines whether the NSC value for the networkselected by modem 120, if any, is within an expected range. If so,access point 110 will connect to the network selected by modem 120.

If the NSC value of the network selected by modem 120 is not within theexpected range, then access point 110 will communicate to modem 120 toset modem 120 to an alternative network that is different from the priorselected network by modem 120. After modem 120 selects the alternativenetwork as communicated by access point 110, access point 110 derivesthe NSC value, and determines whether the NSC value for the networkselection communicated by access point 110 is within an expected range.If so, access point 110 will connect to the alternative networkcommunicated to modem 120 by access point 110.

In some embodiments, if an established connection between remote node130 and central node 160 may not stable or may fail subsequently (e.g.,when access point 110 is located on a moving object that moves from a 4Gnetwork coverage area into a 3G network coverage area), the subsequentpoor connectivity after initial connection establishment may make itnecessary for access point 110 to be re-provisioned and reboot. In thosescenarios, on each subsequent rebootstrap event, access point 110 willrepeat the operations described above. These operations allow accesspoint 110 at remote node 130 to be able to select a stable network amongavailable networks within a short duration and without changing modem120's firmware network selection in scenarios where no change is needed.

Provisioning Parameters

According to embodiments of present disclosure, additional provisioningparameters will need to be configured on access point 110 to support fornetwork selection or network failover by access point 110. Theadditional provisioning parameters include, but are not limited to, a 4Gnetwork type selection parameter (e.g., “4g_usb_type”), a 3G networktype selection parameter (e.g., “usb_type”), etc.

The 4G network type selection parameter, such as “4g_usb_type” can beconfigured with any of a plurality of options, including but not limitedto, beceem-wimax, 2. ether-Ite, pantech-Ite, etc. Moreover, the 3Gnetwork type selection parameter, such as “usb_type” can be configuredwith any of a plurality of options, including but not limited to,ether-3g, pantech-3g, etc.

In some embodiments, if only the 4G network type selection parameter isconfigured and the 3G network type selection parameter is notconfigured, access point 110 will connect on a 4G network only.Likewise, if only the 3G network type selection parameter is configuredand the 4G network type selection parameter is not connected, accesspoint 110 will connect on a 3G network only.

In some embodiments, when both the 4G network type selection parameterand the 3G network type selection parameter are configured on accesspoint 110, access point 110 can be provisioned in both 4G and 3G mode,and thus allowing for automatic network selection between 3G network and4G network.

In addition, additional command-line interface (CLI) commands will alsobe supported by access point 110. The additional CLI commands mayinclude, but are not limited to, a command for providing modem 120's USBmodem state, such as “‘show ap debug usb ap-name<ap-name>.” The resultsof the command may indicate, but are not limited to, the following USBmodem states: Active, Standby, Backup, Error, Not-plugged, etc.Moreover, the additional CLI command may also include, e.g., a commandwhose execution results indicate one or more available network services,a command whose execution results indicate the current network service,a command whose execution results indicate a version corresponding tofirmware of modem 120, etc.

Primary and Secondary Network Selection Attributes

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary network selectionattributes. Network selection attributes 200 includes, but is notlimited to, primary attributes 210 and secondary attributes 230. In someembodiments, primary network selection attributes 210 are mandatoryattributes, whereas secondary network selection attributes 230 areoptional attributes when calculating a network selection criteria (NSC)value. The non-mandatory flexibility of secondary network selectionattributes 230 allow access points at a remote node to operate withzero-touch provisioning that does not need any external input from auser or a modem.

Primary attributes 210 includes, but is not limited to, received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) 220. Based on the value of RSSI 220, theoperating Signal Strength Level (SSL) can be classified into multiplegrades, for example, “Grade I” (or “Great,”) “Grade II” (or “Good,”)“Grade III (or “Moderate,”) and “Grade IV” (or “Poor.”) Table 1 belowshows an exemplary RSSI mapping and/or classification.

TABLE 1 Grade I Grade II Grade III Grade IV Network\Mapping (1) (0.9)(0.85) (0.7) GSM <=89 <=95 <=103 <=109 CDMA-1x <=75 <=85  <=95 <=100EVDO <=65 <=75  <=90 <=105 LTE <=66 <=72  <=82  <=86

In some embodiments, access point 110 at remote node 130 will connect toa particular type of wireless network only if the RSSI value detected onthe particular network is higher than a required threshold value, e.g. amoderate signal strength level.

Furthermore, secondary network selection attributes 230 may include, butare not limited to, a current network service type (ST) 240, networkconditions (NC) 250, system performance (SP) 260, remote access pointcapabilities (RC) 270, user preference/policy (UP) 280, cost of service(CS) 290, etc.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, access point at theremote node may derive a network selection criteria (NSC) value bygiving primary attributes 210 and secondary attributes 230 variousweights. In some embodiments, primary attributes 210 are given moreweights than secondary attributes 230. A remote user may alter theweights assigned to various network selection attributes 200 based onuser requirements.

The exemplary formula given below describes one way of deriving networkselection criteria (NSC) value.

NSC=w(pa)*RSSI+w(sa)/n*ST+w(sa)/n*NC+w(sa)/n*SP+w(sa)/n*RC+w(sa)/n*UP+w(sa)/n*CS

where:

-   -   ST refers to current network service type, which includes, for        example, 4G network service type (e.g., LTE, WiMAX, etc.), 3G        network service type (e.g., EVDO, HSPA, etc.), 2G network        service type (e.g., GSM, CDMA-1x, etc.);    -   NC refers to network conditions that includes, for example, data        rate, network access delay, a predefined quality of service        (QoS) parameter associated with each network mode;    -   SP refers to system performance that includes, but is not        limited to, dynamic varying parameter, such as path loss, Bit        Error Rate (BER), round-trip time (RTT), etc.    -   RC refers to remote access point capabilities, which indicate a        RAP's capability to control the particular multi-mode modem        associated with the RAP;    -   UP refers to user preferences/policy, which indicates a remote        user's preference on the network service;    -   CS refers to cost of service, which indicates, for example,        traffic plan cost;    -   w(pa) indicates a weight assigned to primary attributes 210,        e.g., RSSI 220;    -   w(sa) indicates a weight assigned to secondary attributes 230,        e.g., Current Network Service Type (ST) 240, Network Conditions        (NC) 250, System Performance (SP) 260, RAP Capabilities (RC)        270, User preferences/policy (UP) 280, Cost of Service (CS) 290,        etc.;    -   n is number of active secondary attributes 230, because it is        possible that not all secondary attributes 230 are applicable        under certain scenarios.

Note that, typically w(pa) is greater than w(sa). For example, a networkadministrator may assign 60% to w(pa) and 40% to w(sa). After theNetwork Selection Criteria (NSC) value is calculated by applying theabove formula, the NSC value will be compared to a required or expectedthreshold limit. The RAP will select a nominal network mode only if theNSC value is above the required/expected threshold limit.

Table 2 below shows an exemplary ST mapping and/or classification.

TABLE 2 Mapping 1 0.9 0.5 0 Service Type (ST) 4G 3G 2G Not specified

In some embodiments, secondary attributes, such as, Network Conditions(NC), System Performance (SP), RAP Capabilities (RC), Userpreferences/policy (UP) and Cost of Service (CS) are controlled by anexternal entity whether derived or provisioned. Therefore, by default,such parameters are set to 0/null, or its equivalent.

In an example, for illustration purposes only, consider that a RAP isdeployed with a multi-mode modem (e.g., UML290) with default setting ongood RSSI LTE coverage and no additional user preference provisioned,Also, the example assumes that primary attributes are given 60% ofweight and secondary attributes are given 40% of weights. Hence, the NSCvalue for this RAP deployment will be calculated as 0.6*0.9+1*0.4=0.94.

Communication with Firmware by Remote Access Points

Multi-mode modems using different versions of firmware may requireaccess points to communicate with the modems differently. For example,when a RAP is provisioned with only 4G network selection parameter,e.g., setting “4g_usb_type” as “pantech-Ite,” then the modem will belocked in LTE-only mode, and thus the RAP will try to connect to 4G-LTEnetwork only. As another example, if the RAP is provisioned with other3G network selection parameter, e.g., setting “usb_type” as“pantech-3g,” and if the 4G network selection parameter is notprovisioned, e.g., setting “4g_usb_type” to “none,” then the modem willbe locked in the 3G-only mode (either in CDMAX1 or EVDO). As a result,the RAP will try to connect to 3G-CDMA network even when 4G network isavailable.

Table 3 below shows an exemplary RAP provisioning for 3G-4G networkselection/failover support for one type of multi-mode modem (e.g.,Verizon 4G LTE UML-290). In Table 3, it is assumed that the multi-modemodem uses a firmware version of “L0290VWB522F.242” or above, andsupports at least a USB interface and a QMA interface that allowsdynamic communications of network selection commands from the remoteaccess point.

TABLE 3 4G network 3G network selection selection Mode of RAP deploymentparameter parameter operation scenarios pantech-lte (3) none (0) Only in4G (1) areas have only mode 4G network signal coverage; (2) user prefersonly 4G network. none (0) pantech-3g (8) Only in 3G (1) areas have onlymode 3G network signal coverage; (2) user prefers only 3G network.pantech-lte (3) pantech-3g (8) Work in both (1) mobile 4G and 3Gdeployments (e.g., on mode as per a moving object such dynamically as atrain or a bus); determined (2) no user network preference amongcoverage. available networks, such as between 4G and 3G networks.

In some embodiments where different types of multi-mode modem is used,when a RAP is provisioned with only 4G network selection parameter,e.g., setting “4g_usb_type” as “ether-Ite,” then the modem will belocked in LTE-only mode, and thus the RAP will try to connect to 4G-LTEnetwork only. As another example, if the RAP is provisioned with other3G network selection parameter, e.g., setting “usb_type” as “ether-3g,”and if the 4G network selection parameter is not provisioned, e.g.,setting “4g_usb_type” to “none,” then the modem will be locked in the3G-only mode (either in CDMAX1 or EVDO). As a result, the RAP will tryto connect to 3G-CDMA network even when 4G network is available. If,however, the RAP is provisioned with both 4G and 3G network selectionparameters, then the modem will be put in 4G (LTE-only) mode initially.Subsequently, if the 4G network coverage is not available, then the RAPwill try to select a network based on derived NSC value, which iscalculated based on one or more network selection parameters includingRSSI, if firmware fails to select a stable network within apre-determined threshold time period.

Table 4 below shows an exemplary RAP provisioning for 3G-4G networkselection/failover support for another type of multi-mode modem (e.g.,MC551L). In Table 3, it is assumed that the multi-mode modem uses afirmware version of “1.23.01 SVN 0” or above, and supports at least aUSB interface and a QMA interface that allows dynamic communications ofnetwork selection commands from the remote access point.

4G network 3G network selection selection Mode of RAP deploymentparameter parameter Usb_dev operation scenarios ether-lte (2) none (0)0x1410b001 Only in 4G (1) areas have mode only 4G network signalcoverage; (2) user prefers only 4G network. none (0) ether-3g (9)0x1410b001 Only in 3G (1) areas have mode only 3G network signalcoverage; (2) user prefers only 3G network. ether-lte (2) ether-3g (9)0x1410b001 Work in both (1) mobile 4G and 3G deployments mode as per(e.g., on a dynamically moving object determined such as a train ornetwork a bus); coverage. (2) no user preference among availablenetworks, such as between 4G and 3G networks.

The following use case scenario demonstrates an exemplary usage ofembodiments disclosed herein for illustration purposes only. A largevariety of commands and settings can be used in the alternative withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. In the exemplary use casescenario, first, the control device at the central node can provision 4Gnetwork selection parameters, e.g., by setting “4g_usb_type” value as“Ite-pantech,”, “usb_type” value as “pantech-3g” and set celluar linkpriority to be higher than ehternet link priority. This provisioninginfers that 3G/4G network will be given higher preference compared toEthernet. With the above setting, the RAP will try connecting throughits USB link first based on the NSC value derived as disclosed above. Ifthe RAP fails to connect to any cellular network (e.g., 3G network or 4Gnetwork) within a specific amount of time, the RAP fails-over toEthernet. If, on the other hand, the provisioned RAP successfullyconnects to a 4G network or 3G network, the control device at thecentral node will subsequently show the result of CLI command “show apdatabase” as Remote AP(R) and Cellular(C). In addition, executionresults of commands such as “show ap database usb” will show informationincluding, but not limited to, RSSI value, network service currentlybeing used, etc.

Processes for Network Failover and Network Selection with Multi-ModeModem in Remote Access Points

FIGS. 3A-3B are flowcharts illustrating exemplary process for networkfailover and network selection with multi-mode modem in remote accesspoints according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

During operations, the disclosed system initially selects throughmulti-mode modem firmware a first network among available networks basedon the default modem configuration (operation 310). Next, the disclosedsystem collects network selection attributes, including both primaryattributes and optionally secondary attributes (operation 320).

The disclosed system then calculates a network selection criteria (NSC)value (operation 330), and determines whether the NSC value is within arequired/expected range associated with the first network (operation340). If so, the system connects to the selected network (operation360). If not, the system set through the modem's firmware an alternatenetwork in available networks (operation 350), and repeats thecalculating and determining operations (operations 330-340).

Furthermore, the disclosed system can determine whether a signalassociated with secure communication path (e.g., a GRE tunnel)establishment is received from a central network node within apre-determined period of time (operation 370). If so, the disclosedsystem proceeds to establish a secure communication path (e.g., a GREtunnel) between a remote access point at the remote node and a controldevice at the central node (operation 395). If, however, no signal isreceived from the central node within the pre-determined period of time,the disclosed device will determine a secondary network to connect to(operation 380). The selection of the secondary network can be performedby a remote access point based on a NSC value derived from a pluralityof network selection parameters, including both primary attributes andoptionally secondary attributes, as described above.

Next, the disclosed system will command the multi-mode modem to selectthe secondary network (operation 390). After the secondary network isselected by the multi-mode modem, the disclosed system may establish asecure communication path (e.g., a GRE tunnel) between a remote accesspoint at the remote node and a control device at the central node(operation 395). Thereafter, the system may repeat operations 320-370until a stable network connection has established (not shown).

Systems for Network Failover and Network Selection with Multi-Mode Modemin Remote Access Points

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary system for networkfailover and network selection with multi-mode modem in remote accesspoints according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Network device 400 includes at least one or more radio antennas 410capable of either transmitting or receiving radio signals or both, anetwork interface 420 capable of communicating to a wired or wirelessnetwork, a processor 430 capable of processing computing instructions,and a memory 440 capable of storing instructions and data. Moreover,network device 400 further includes a receiving mechanism 450, atransmitting mechanism 460, and a network selection mechanism 470, allof which are coupled to processor 430 and memory 440 in network device400. Network device 400 may be used as a client system, or a serversystem, or may serve as node in a distributed or a cloud computingenvironment.

Radio antenna 410 may be any combination of known or conventionalelectrical components for receipt of signaling, including but notlimited to, transistors, capacitors, resistors, multiplexers, wiring,registers, diodes or any other electrical components known or laterbecome known.

Network interface 420 can be any communication interface, which includesbut is not limited to, a modem, token ring interface, Ethernetinterface, wireless IEEE 802.11 interface (e.g., IEEE 802.11n, IEEE802.11 ac, etc), cellular wireless interface, satellite transmissioninterface, or any other interface for coupling network devices. In someembodiments, network interface 420 may be software-defined andprogrammable, for example, via an Application Programming Interface(API), and thus allowing for remote control of the network device 400.

Processor 430 can include one or more microprocessors and/or networkprocessors. Memory 440 can include storage components, such as, DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), etc.

Receiving mechanism 450 generally receives one or more network messagesvia network interface 420 from a network or a client, or radio antenna810 from a wireless client over a wireless communication channel. Thereceived network messages may include, but are not limited to, requestsand/or responses, beacon frames, management frames, control path frames,and so on. Each message may comprise one or more data packets, forexample, in the form of IP packets.

Transmitting mechanism 460 generally transmits messages, which include,but are not limited to, requests and/or responses, beacon frames,management frames, control path frames, and so on.

Network selection mechanism 470 generally selects one of a plurality ofavailable networks supported by a multi-mode modem associated withnetwork device 800. Specifically, network selection mechanism 470connects from network device 400 to a first network selected by amulti-mode modem that supports a plurality of networks. Also, networkselection mechanism 470 derives a network selection criterion valuewhich is based at least in part on a received signal strength level of asignal received on the first network. If the derived network selectioncriterion value corresponding to the first network is not within anexpected range, network selection mechanism 470 commands the multi-modemodem to select a second network from the plurality of networks. If, onthe other hand, the derived network selection criterion valuecorresponding to the first network is within the expected range, thenetwork selection mechanism establishes a secure communication paththrough the multi-mode modem to a central corporate network. In oneembodiment, the secure communication path includes a Generic RoutingEncapsulation (GRE) tunnel.

Note that, in some embodiments, the first network is determined by afirmware associated with the multi-mode modem, and the second network isdetermined by the network device. Furthermore, in some embodiments, thenetwork selection criterion value corresponding to the first network notbeing within the expected range indicates that the network device isunlikely to establish the secure communication path to the centralnetwork through the multi-mode modem.

In some embodiments, network selection mechanism 470 further initiates atimer with a predefined time period. If the network selection criterionvalue corresponding to the first network is not within the expectedrange and the timer expires, network selection mechanism 470 furtherconnects to an alternative network selected by the multi-mode modem.Note that, in these embodiments, network selection mechanism 470commands the multi-mode modem to select the second network if thenetwork selection criterion value corresponding to the alternativenetwork selected by the multi-mode modem is not within the expectedrange.

In some embodiments, network selection mechanism 470 further collects aplurality of network selection attributes, including but not limited to,one or more of the following: a current network service type; a networkcondition; a system performance measure; a remote access pointcapability; a user preference; a user policy; a cost of service; etc.Furthermore, the network selection criterion value may be determinedbased on a weighted average value of the collected plurality of networkselection attributes above.

Specifically, the current network service type includes, but is notlimited to, one or more of: a 4G network comprising one or more of aLong Term Evolution (LTE) network, a Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX) network; a 3G network comprising one or more ofan Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) network, a High Speed Packet Access(HSPA) network; a 2G network comprising one or more of a Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) network; etc.

Moreover, the network condition includes, but is not limited to, one ormore of: a data transmission rate; an amount of network access delay; apre-defined Quality of Service (QoS) parameter associated with eachnetwork service type; etc.

Also, the system performance includes, but is not limited to, one ormore of: a path loss parameter; a Bit Error Rate (BER); a round-triptime (RTT); etc. The remote access point capability generally indicatesat least the network device's capability to control the multi-modemodem. The user preference generally indicates at least a remote user'spreference on the network service. The user policy generally indicates anetwork administration policy applicable to the remote user. And, thecost of service generally includes a traffic plan cost amount.

Therefore, receiving mechanism 450, transmitting mechanism 460, andnetwork selection mechanism 470 often collectively operate with eachother to provide support for network failover and/or network selectionwith multi-mode modem in remote access points.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, network servicesprovided by wireless network device 400, solely or in combination withother wireless network devices, include, but are not limited to, anInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1xauthentication to an internal and/or external Remote AuthenticationDial-In User Service (RADIUS) server; an MAC authentication to aninternal and/or external RADIUS server; a built-in Dynamic HostConfiguration Protocol (DHCP) service to assign wireless client devicesIP addresses; an internal secured management interface; Layer-3forwarding; Network Address Translation (NAT) service between thewireless network and a wired network coupled to the network device; aninternal and/or external captive portal; an external management systemfor managing the network devices in the wireless network; etc.

The present disclosure may be realized in hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may berealized in a centralized fashion in one computer system or in adistributed fashion where different elements are spread across severalinterconnected computer systems coupled to a network. A typicalcombination of hardware and software may be an access point with acomputer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls thedevice such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present disclosure also may be embedded in non-transitory fashion ina computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a programmable circuit; asemiconductor memory such as a volatile memory such as random accessmemory “RAM,” or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory,power-backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory or the like; a harddisk drive; an optical disc drive; or any connector for receiving aportable memory device such as a Universal Serial Bus “USB” flashdrive), which comprises all the features enabling the implementation ofthe methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer systemis able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the presentcontext means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of aset of instructions intended to cause a system having an informationprocessing capability to perform a particular function either directlyor after either or both of the following: a) conversion to anotherlanguage, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different materialform.

As used herein, “digital device” generally includes a device that isadapted to transmit and/or receive signaling and to process informationwithin such signaling such as a station (e.g., any data processingequipment such as a computer, cellular phone, personal digitalassistant, tablet devices, etc.), an access point, data transfer devices(such as network switches, routers, controllers, etc.) or the like.

As used herein, “access point” (AP) generally refers to receiving pointsfor any known or convenient wireless access technology which may laterbecome known. Specifically, the term AP is not intended to be limited toIEEE 802.11-based APs. APs generally function as an electronic devicethat is adapted to allow wireless devices to connect to a wired networkvia various communications standards.

As used herein, the term “interconnect” or used descriptively as“interconnected” is generally defined as a communication pathwayestablished over an information-carrying medium. The “interconnect” maybe a wired interconnect, wherein the medium is a physical medium (e.g.,electrical wire, optical fiber, cable, bus traces, etc.), a wirelessinterconnect (e.g., air in combination with wireless signalingtechnology) or a combination of these technologies.

As used herein, “information” is generally defined as data, address,control, management (e.g., statistics) or any combination thereof. Fortransmission, information may be transmitted as a message, namely acollection of bits in a predetermined format. One type of message,namely a wireless message, includes a header and payload data having apredetermined number of bits of information. The wireless message may beplaced in a format as one or more packets, frames or cells.

As used herein, “wireless local area network” (WLAN) generally refers toa communications network links two or more devices using some wirelessdistribution method (for example, spread-spectrum or orthogonalfrequency-division multiplexing radio), and usually providing aconnection through an access point to the Internet; and thus, providingusers with the mobility to move around within a local coverage area andstill stay connected to the network.

As used herein, the term “mechanism” generally refers to a component ofa system or device to serve one or more functions, including but notlimited to, software components, electronic components, electricalcomponents, mechanical components, electro-mechanical components, etc.

As used herein, the term “embodiment” generally refers an embodimentthat serves to illustrate by way of example but not limitation.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the precedingexamples and embodiments are exemplary and not limiting to the scope ofthe present disclosure. It is intended that all permutations,enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent tothose skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a studyof the drawings are included within the true spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appendedclaims include all such modifications, permutations and equivalents asfall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure has been described in terms of variousembodiments, the present disclosure should not be limited to only thoseembodiments described, but can be practiced with modification andalteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Likewise,where a reference to a standard is made in the present disclosure, thereference is generally made to the current version of the standard asapplicable to the disclosed technology area. However, the describedembodiments may be practiced under subsequent development of thestandard within the spirit and scope of the description and appendedclaims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan limiting.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A network device comprising: a processor; a memory;and a network selection mechanism operating with the processor, thenetwork selection mechanism to: connect from the network device to afirst network selected by a multi-mode modem that supports a pluralityof networks, wherein the network device is a different device other thanthe multi-mode modem; evaluate the first network based on a networkselection criterion value corresponding to the first network; andcommand the multi-mode modem to select a second network from theplurality of networks in response to the network selection criterionvalue failing to meet a specified value.
 22. The network device of claim21, wherein the first network is determined by a firmware associatedwith the multi-mode modem, and wherein the second network is determinedby the network device.
 23. The network device of claim 21, wherein thenetwork selection criterion value is different from a second networkcriteria value used by the multi-mode modem.
 24. The network device ofclaim 21, wherein the network selection criterion value failing to meetthe specified value indicates that the network device is unlikely toestablish the secure communication path to the central network throughthe multi-mode modem.
 25. The network device of claim 21, wherein thenetwork selection criterion value is based on one or more of a pluralityof network selection attributes comprising: a current network receivedsignal strength; a current network service type; a network condition; asystem performance measure; a remote access point capability thatindicates at least a capability of the network device to control themulti-mode modem; a user preference that indicates at least a remoteuser's preference on the network service; a user policy that indicates anetwork administration policy applicable to the remote user; and a costof service that comprises a traffic plan cost amount.
 26. The networkdevice of claim 25, wherein the current network service type includesone or more of: a 4G network comprising one or more of a Long TermEvolution (LTE) network, a Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess (WiMAX) network; a 3G network comprising one or more of anEvolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) network, a High Speed Packet Access(HSPA) network; and a 2G network comprising one or more of a GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA) network.
 27. The network device of claim 25, wherein thenetwork condition comprises one or more of: a data transmission rate; anamount of network access delay; and a pre-defined Quality of Service(QoS) parameter associated with each network service type.
 28. Thenetwork device of claim 25, wherein the system performance comprises oneor more of: a path loss parameter; a Bit Error Rate (BER); and around-trip time (RTT).
 29. The network device of claim 21, wherein thenetwork selection mechanism further to establish a secure communicationpath through the multi-mode modem to a central network in response tothe network selection criterion value corresponding to the first networkbeing within the expected range, wherein the secure communication pathcomprises a Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnel
 30. The networkdevice of claim 21, wherein the network selection mechanism further to:initiate a timer with a predefined time period; and connect to analternative network selected by the multi-mode modem prior to the timerexpiring and in response to the network selection criterion valuecorresponding to the first network being outside the expected range,wherein commanding the multi-mode modem to select the second network isfurther in response to the network selection criterion valuecorresponding to the alternative network selected by the multi-modemodem being outside the expected range.
 31. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing embedded instructions that areexecuted by one or more mechanisms implemented within a network deviceto perform a plurality of operations comprising: connecting to a firstnetwork selected by a multi-mode modem that supports a plurality ofnetworks, wherein the network device is a different device other thanthe multi-mode modem; evaluating the first network based on a networkselection criterion value corresponding to the first network; and inresponse to the network selection criterion value failing to meet aspecified value, commanding the multi-mode modem to select a secondnetwork from the plurality of networks.
 32. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the first networkis determined by a firmware associated with the multi-mode modem, andwherein the second network is determined by the network device.
 33. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein thenetwork selection criterion value is different from a second networkcriteria value used by the multi-mode modem.
 34. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the networkselection criterion value failing to meet a specified value indicatesthat the network device is unlikely to establish the securecommunication path to the central network through the multi-mode modem.35. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 31,wherein the network selection criterion value is based on one or more ofa plurality of network selection attributes comprising: a currentnetwork received signal strength; a current network service type; anetwork condition; a system performance measure; a remote access pointcapability that indicates at least a capability of the network device tocontrol the multi-mode modem; a user preference that indicates at leasta remote user's preference on the network service; a user policy thatindicates a network administration policy applicable to the remote user;and a cost of service that comprises a traffic plan cost amount.
 36. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 35, wherein thecurrent network service type includes one or more of: a 4G networkcomprising one or more of a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, aWorldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network; a 3Gnetwork comprising one or more of an Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO)network, a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network; and a 2G networkcomprising one or more of a Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network.
 37. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 35, wherein thenetwork condition comprises one or more of: a data transmission rate; anamount of network access delay; and a pre-defined Quality of Service(QoS) parameter associated with each network service type.
 38. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 35, wherein thesystem performance comprises one or more of: a path loss parameter; aBit Error Rate (BER); and a round-trip time (RTT).
 39. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 31, furthercomprising: in response to the network selection criterion valuecorresponding to the first network being within the expected range,establishing a secure communication path through the multi-mode modem toa central network, wherein the secure communication path comprises aGeneric Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnel.
 40. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 31, further comprising:initiating a timer with a predefined time period; and prior to the timerexpiring and in response to the network selection criterion valuecorresponding to the first network being outside the expected range,connecting to an alternative network selected by the multi-mode modem,wherein commanding the multi-mode modem to select the second network isfurther in response to the network selection criterion valuecorresponding to the alternative network selected by the multi-modemodem being outside the expected range.